TVSpy
As the retrans stand-off between Fox and Cablevision enters its fourth day, “Glee” fans and media executives alike wonder how the prolonged blackout will affect the future of TV programming.
On Monday, while Fox affiliates in parts of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania remained off of Cablevision, the FCC issued a consumer advisory for viewers affected by the blackout. “Fox and Cablevision share responsibility for protecting their audience’s interests,” FCC chairman Julius Genachowski said, “I expect both companies to live up to this responsibility.” In the meantime, the FCC suggests that viewers consider switching cable providers.
While viewers scramble to find alternative viewing options, media executives are concerned with how the dispute, and a potential agreement, will affect future retrans negotiations. Here’s a round-up of what pundits are saying…
The Wrap
“Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. and James Dolan’s Cablevision are playing with fire, and the whole cable industry could get burned.” More…
Forbes
“Given the seamless fusion of cable, satellite, and over-the-air TV in recent years, it seems inevitable that subscription-based services, with content providers and distribution providers splitting the revenue, is the future trend.” More…
Bloomberg
“Media companies may be gaining the upper hand in extracting fees from cable and satellite companies for content that used to be free.” More…